CITY_GUIDES_ FAMILY TIES Quality time with the kids has never looked so good TERRITORY TALES Discover the different faces of the Northern Territory all in one fun-filled location. The TERRITORY WILDLIFE PARK showcases all of the Top End’s vibrant wildlife in their natural habitats and offers engaging animal interactions during its daily presentations. Head to the Monsoon Vine Forest to spot the many species of tropical birds in one of the largest domed walk-through aviaries in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit the Woodland Walk and explore its Nocturnal House or see the spectacular birds of prey at the Flight Deck. You can also dive below the surface at the Wetlands and come face-to-face with the park’s resident giant saltwater crocodile in the aquarium. Where and when: Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs (about an hour’s drive south of Darwin). Open daily, 8.30am till 6pm (last entry 4pm). Fly to: Darwin. Price: Adults $20, children (five to 16) $10, children (under five) free. Contact: Call +61 8 8988 7200 or visit www.territorywildlifepark.com.au. 14 176 VIRGINBLUE NOVEMBER GO WITH THE FLOW when the Fremantle Festival, near Perth, celebrates the city’s transformation, until 16 November. Visit www. fremantlefestivals.com. 15 22 30 MEET THE ANIMALS when the country comes to town for the Queanbeyan Show, near Canberra, until 16 November. Visit www. queanbeyanshow.com.au. GET ON YOUR FEET and cheer on Australia when the Rugby League World Cup grand final comes to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. Visit www.nrl.com.au. CHEAP THRILLS Until 20 September, THE TOWERS OF CHEVRON RENAISSANCE is offering a three-night ‘Dare to be Scared’ break that includes accommodation in a two-bedroom apartment, plus entry into special-effects funhouse Infinity and Dracula’s Haunted House – all for $828. Call +61 7 5584 8100 or visit www.chevrontowers.com.au. SING ALONG Preschoolers will rejoice this 30 September when NICKELODEON’S DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE! DORA’S PIRATE ADVENTURE dances into Newcastle Entertainment Centre for an interactive extravaganza that spans the seven seas in search of stolen treasure. Call 13 28 49 (in Australia) or visit www.ticketek.com.au. ALL THAT JAZZ Held from 12 to 14 September, the BIG RIVER JAZZ festival features a concert on the banks of the Fitzroy River before the Heritage Village Markets turns music lovers into bargain hunters. The festival finishes with an afternoon jam session – perfect for a picnic. Call +61 7 4922 2855 or visit www.rockhamptoninfo.com. MAKE A SPLASH at Ballina Rivafest – a one-day celebration of the region’s lifeblood. Visit www.discover ballina.com.au. ROCKHAMPTON DARWIN WHAT’S ON NEWCASTLE GOLD COAST TEXT :: SHANE CONROY // PHOTOGRAPHY :: EWEN BELL FOR TOURISM NT ?